Q&A With Rising Star Stacy Lee

BD Specialist, Munger, Tolles, & Olson

Stacy Lee began her role as a BD Specialist at Munger, Tolles, & Olson (LA office) on August 17, 2020.
Calibrate: As you were thinking about next steps in your career, what were some characteristics that a law firm needed to possess in order to pique your interest?

Stacy: It was really important for me to go to a law firm that not only had a great reputation in the legal industry, but also valued its employees and actively cared about diversity and one of the first things I noticed was the diversity in Munger’s management. It was also equally important for me to feel a connection with my potential supervisor and team. I was looking to join a team where I felt we would work well together and that our personalities would be complimentary.

Calibrate: You began your new role at Munger during the pandemic and, as such, the entire recruiting and onboarding process was virtual. With respect to the interview process, given that you didn’t go into the firm’s offices or meet any of your potential new co-workers in person, what was it about them/the process that made you feel comfortable enough to accept the offer?

Stacy: Right off the bat, my supervisor made me feel very comfortable during the interview process because she was very warm and friendly. She was also very transparent about the role and firm, which I appreciated. She was very straightforward in answering my questions. It felt more like a friendly chat than a formal interview. I felt the same with my potential co-workers, who were all so welcoming and friendly.

Calibrate: In thinking about the onboarding process, what parts of the process stood out as noteworthy?  Anything that happened during the process that was different than an in-person onboarding experience from your perspective (other than it being virtual)?

Stacy: Other than all the staff at the firm being extremely friendly, nothing stood out as abnormal/noteworthy during the onboarding experience.

Calibrate: Now that you’ve been in the role, what have been some of the challenges of working virtually that you’ve had to overcome?

Stacy: The biggest challenge of working virtually is ensuring the lawyers and staff are familiar with who I am and the work I do. Naturally, there was more of a challenge at the outset when initial introductions are done via email.

Calibrate: What are some factors that you can point to that have attributed to your success in the role so far?

Stacy: My current supervisor has been extremely helpful in transitioning me into this role. We’ve had virtual meetings almost every single day since I’ve joined about various projects that I am working on. She never leaves me in the dark, and I feel very supported, which has contributed to my success in my role so far. My team members have also been extremely welcoming and helpful.

Calibrate: Do you have any advice for anyone who may be thinking it’s time to move to a new firm?

Stacy: I would definitely encourage someone to go forth with it as you never know what you may find in the course of an interview process that would lead you to a better opportunity.